Chattanooga Whiskey, a trailblazer in the Tennessee High Malt style, has unveiled the latest addition to its Bottled in Bond series: the Spring 2021 Vintage. This limited-edition bourbon continues their tradition of crafting single-season, vintage-dated expressions, offering enthusiasts a unique taste experience tied to a specific distilling season.
What Sets It Apart: Introducing Mash Bill SB078
One standout feature of the Spring 2021 Vintage is the introduction of a new mash bill, SB078. Named after the 78th barrel filled at Chattanooga Whiskey's Experimental Distillery, this innovative recipe features a five-grain combination, including:
- Belgian-made chocolate malted barley
- Double roasted caramel malted barley
- Cherry wood smoked malted barley
These specialty grains infuse the bourbon with subtle yet distinct flavors. SB078 imparts hints of chocolate malt and baked apple, complementing the other two mash bills in the blend—particularly a wheated recipe—creating a lighter yet complex flavor profile. This makes the Spring 2021 Vintage an ideal choice for warmer months, with its balance of depth and refreshing character.
The Bottled in Bond Process
Chattanooga Whiskey's Bottled in Bond series adheres to strict guidelines established under the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. Each vintage is made from whiskeys distilled in a single season—either Spring (January to June) or Fall (July to December). The Spring 2021 Vintage features a blend of select mash bills crafted during this period:
- 20% SB078
- 30% SB091
- 50% B005
The bourbon is aged for over four years in toasted and charred oak barrels, using 53-gallon cooperage. It’s bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume) to highlight the intricate flavors of Chattanooga Whiskey’s Tennessee High Malt style.
A Collaborative Creation
Chattanooga Whiskey’s Bottled in Bond expressions are the result of a collective effort by their team of distillers. These artisans carefully select and scale up favorite recipes from the Experimental Distillery to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Each blend is crafted to celebrate the versatility and complexity of their unique high malt approach, offering a new perspective on what bourbon can be.
Flavor Notes and Availability
The Spring 2021 Vintage is described as having a vibrant and layered flavor profile, with tasting notes that include:
- Butterscotch candy
- Cream soda
- Fresh plum
- Lemon curd
This vintage is available in limited quantities. It debuted at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery on May 9th, priced at $52.99.
Why Try Bottled in Bond?
For bourbon enthusiasts, Bottled in Bond whiskeys offer not only a higher standard of quality but also a chance to explore unique, seasonal expressions. The Spring 2021 Vintage exemplifies this by pushing boundaries while staying true to Chattanooga Whiskey’s commitment to innovation and tradition.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or someone looking to expand their palate, Chattanooga Whiskey’s Bottled in Bond Spring 2021 Vintage provides a flavorful journey into the art of Tennessee High Malt bourbon.
